Oregon: stunning coast and great outdoors

Oregon isn’t a place you see as much as you do. You can sight-see the beautiful coast, volcanic mountains, crystal-clear lakes and deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for world-class pinots, some of the best food and craft beer in the country, epic cycling, kayaking, windsurfing or just about anything else-ing, look no further.

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Oregon Outdoors

The thing about exploring Oregon’s outdoors is that you’ll never be able to do it all in one lifetime. Hike the rugged coastline or the wooded Willamette National Forest. Camp in the desert near Steens Mountain, or explore the snow-capped Wallowa Mountains (also known as “Little Switzerland”). Rent an RV from Cruise America, and park yourself in the volcanic foothills of Mt. Hood, the old-growth beauty of the Umpqua National Forest, or a mountain lake in the Deschutes National Forest. Oregon State Parks offer beautiful picnicking spots as well as yurts, tepees, rustic cabins and RV spots for rent.

Food & Drink

Oregon’s food and drink artisans are trendsetters and tastemakers. We’ve got craft beer, micro-distilleries and 17 wine regions, as well as handcrafted sea salt, ice cream, cheese and more. We aren’t the only ones who relish Oregon’s flavor. The New York Times Magazine refers to Oregon as an “ever-expanding culinary utopia.” Oregon’s award-winning chefs, restaurants and farmers appear in national and international publications, and you can often meet those culinary artisans in person. Don’t miss tasty annual events like the Oregon Truffle Festival in January, the Oregon Cheese Festival in March and Feast Portland, a world-class celebration of food and drink, in September.

Tax-free Shopping

Unlike most states in the U.S., Oregon has no sales tax. You’ll save 5 to 10 percent on everything you buy. Find the brands you love at stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, H&M and Apple, or try Made in Oregon shops for Oregon’s unique products and gifts. Outlet shoppers will save on brands like Adidas, Coach, Nike and Gap at centers in Troutdale, Woodburn, Seaside, Lincoln City, Bend and Phoenix. Hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces in the Pearl District, Nob Hill and Hawthorne in Portland; and in Bend, Hood River and towns along the Oregon Coast.

Golf

The toughest part of golfing in Oregon is choosing from nearly 200 public courses. Play through spectacular stretches of sand dunes perched high above the Pacific Ocean, tee off in the heart of sun-filled wine country, or revel in the mountain views of Central Oregon’s 30 high-desert courses. Don’t miss Bandon Dunes, named No. 1 golf resort by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, and Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, where a young Tiger Woods won his third consecutive U.S. Amateur Championship.

American Indian Heritage

While European settlement in Oregon is less than two centuries old, American Indians have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Learn about native residents, past and present, at Oregon’s interpretive centers and museums. At the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, learn about the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Indian tribes. Exhibits and events showcase traditional song, dance, art, language, clothing, religion and food created by these tribes. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs share their heritage at The Museum at Warm Springs. This museum is home to one of the most exquisite collections of Plateau Native American artifacts in the country, along with arts, history and culture demonstrations by tribal members.

Only Slightly Exaggerated

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Fun Fact

Must see places

Crater Lake National Park

The deepest lake in the USA is ringed by the Cascade Mountains’ lush, old-growth forests and peaks and hosts Wizard Island (a volcanic cone). This enchanting landscape, one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, can be explored by backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing or boating.

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Columbia River Gorge

The colossal Columbia River, the second largest river in all of North America, cuts a deep track through the Cascade Range here, a geological spectacle that gives way to waterfalls, fields of wildflowers and an ideal climate for wine. This is also a recreational paradise, offering kayaking, windsurfing, snowboarding and everything in between.

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Cannon Beach

The very picture of a Pacific shoreline, Cannon Beach’s dark rocks and cobalt-blue waters are backed by the deep green of the forest, which is teeming with elk. See natural landmark Haystack Rock, visit Ecola State Park or hang out in an artistic village community, stopping by one of many brewpubs.

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Washington Park

In Portland, you’ll find this historic park, which brings the region’s dramatic natural landscape to the city and includes a playground, archery range, arboretum and the not-to-be-missed International Rose Test Garden.

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Oregon Coast Aquarium

See what’s swimming in the Pacific Northwest’s lakes, rivers and ocean, as well as what’s flying above. Exhibits here focus on sea otters, seals and sea lions, but the aquarium’s Seabird Aviary features seven species of birds and is one of the largest such spaces in North America.

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Oregon Coast Trail

The 585 kilometers of Pacific coastline can be hiked, biked or driven, and offers a panoramic view of rugged cliffs, evergreen forests, Sahara-like dunes and boundless sandy beaches. You’ll also pass through quaint towns and find a wealth of attractions along the way.

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Willamette Heritage Center

Tour the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, established in the 1880s, at this heritage center’s campus, which also includes 14 historic structures, a textile learning center, artist studios and a research library. Permanent and changing exhibits tell the story of the valley’s past.

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Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

The best view of this canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, may be from space. Until then, this recreation area provides jaw-dropping views of the mud-colored Snake River and has year-round activities such as whitewater rafting, camping and horseback riding as well as a scenic byway to drive.

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High Desert Museum

The beasts of the desert get their due here, at this museum dedicated to High Desert history, culture and wildlife. Learn about bobcats and porcupines, visit the Desertarium or walk a living history ranch. A stagecoach puts pioneer life in perspective, while the By Hand through Memory exhibit traces the area’s Native American history.